Stone
Fish (Synanceia)

Synanceia is a genus of fish of the
family Synanceiidae, the Stonefishes, whose members
are venomous, dangerous, and even fatal to humans.
It is the most venomous fish in the world. They
are found in the coastal regions of Indo-Pacific
oceans.

Synanceia are primarily marine, though some species
are known to live in rivers. Its species have potent
neurotoxins secreted from glands at the base of
their needle-like dorsal fin spines which stick
up when disturbed or threatened. The vernacular
name of the species, the stonefish, derives from
the stonefish's ability to camouflage itself with
a grey and mottled color similar to the color of
a stone. Swimmers may not notice them, and may inadvertently
step on them, triggering a sting. When the stonefish
is disturbed, it may inject an amount of venom proportional
to the amount of pressure applied to it.

There have been unproven reports of osteo-arthritic
sufferers experiencing improved mobility and reduction
in joint pain following envenomation episode. The
responsible agent has not been identified.

The pain is said to be so severe that the victims
of its sting want the affected limb to be amputated.

Recommended treatments include the application of
heat to the affected area and antivenom. Using hot
water at a temperature no lower than 45 °C
(113 °F), applied to the injured area has
been found to destroy stonefish venom, and causes
minimal discomfort to the victim. For more extreme
cases, antivenom is to be used.

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